EXPLORING THE STRESS AND SATISFACTION RELATIONSHIP: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF PROFESSIONAL MOTIVATION IN OMANI SCHOOL TEACHERS WITHIN OMAN VISION 2040

This study examines the mediating role of professional motivation in the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction among schoolteachers in Oman, aligning with the educational objectives of Oman Vision 2040. A sample of 714 teachers participated in this study, providing quantitative data on stress, motivation, and job satisfaction. Findings indicate a statistically significant negative correlation (r = -0.54, p < 0.01) between occupational stress and job satisfaction, confirming that higher stress levels lead to decreased satisfaction. The mean occupational stress level was 3.48 (SD = 0.77), while job satisfaction had a mean of 3.30 (SD = 0.61) on a 1-5 Likert scale. Mediation analysis revealed that professional motivation significantly buffers the adverse effects of stress on job satisfaction, with an indirect effect of 0.22 and a total effect of -0.54. These findings emphasize the importance of fostering teacher motivation to counteract stress and improve job satisfaction. Targeted interventions, such as workload management, professional development opportunities, and teacher recognition programs, are recommended to enhance motivation and well-being. This study provides empirical insights that can inform educational policies in Oman, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient teaching workforce in line with Vision 2040.